Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.Bentonville, AR, United States (NYSE: WMT)

Study Finds Coupons Could Gain Popularity - </strong>A recent survey finds that people expect to use coupons more in a recession. About 45 percent of respondents say that they&#39;re &quot;much more likely&quot; to use coupons during a recession, according to ICOM Information Communications. Consumers under 35 responded most favorably, as did residents of the Midwest, although income wasn&#39;t a differentiating factor. Almost 60 percent of respondents say that their coupon use would increase if they could download a coupon that automatically applies to an electronic frequent shopper card.

Apparel Prices Decline, Affecting Major Product Line - Clothing prices are falling, a concern for the discount store industry, because apparel accounts for about 20 percent of sales. US consumer prices for apparel declined almost 1 percent in February 2008 from a year earlier. Prices for women&#39;s clothing dropped 3.8 percent, but men&#39;s apparel prices were essentially flat, rising less than 0.1 percent.

Personal Care Product Prices Dip Slightly - Consumer prices for personal care products are showing signs of slippage from year-ago levels, affecting a category that accounts for 15 percent of the discount store industry revenue. US consumer prices for cosmetics, perfume, bath, and nail preparations and implements collectively rose less than 0.1 percent in February 2008 compared to year-ago levels. Average annual consumer prices for the products increased 2.3 percent in 2007 from 2006.